Chicago Scholars Attends Roseland Children's Rally

Saturday's rally at Christian Fenger High School was the educational equivalent of  Crain's Social Whirl which tracks Chicago's hottest events and the leading business and civic leaders who attend them. While not a ballroom, the Fenger auditorium - a beautiful space seating 1740 - was alive with the sounds of Chicago's youngest leaders chanting, singing, and clapping for a better future.

Chicago Scholars was pleased to participate in the event and witness the kick-off of an incredible new chapter in the lives of Roseland's youth. According to SGA, "the Roseland Initiative [will] do whatever it takes to transform the social well-being of the community and create real world opportunities for young people."

"We are very impressed by the leadership of SGA and Fenger Principal Elizabeth Dozier," said Karen G. Foley, President of Chicago Scholars. "One of the first things I noticed was a brightly colored poster noting the majority of Fenger's freshmen are on track for college! Just this past week, we enrolled one of our first Fenger students, Tatiana, into our 5-Year College Access and Support Program. We look forward to to enrolling many more outstanding students from Fenger."

Nearby resident, Brittany, who is a Chicago Scholar and a member of World Sport Chicago attended the event with her parents. Meeting her idol, Geoffrey Canada, was the original motivation for spending a Saturday afternoon in a high school auditorium; but once at the rally, Brittany connected with Karen and Chicago Scholars Co-founder and Board member, Tim Schwertfeger. As you can see from her email, the rally was a great experience for this scholar. Not only did she meet Mr. Canada, but, she was introduced to "numerous people of high stature."

"Hey Karen,

It was great seeing you this past Saturday at the Roseland Children's Initiative. It's funny how I attended the event solely to shake the hand of my dream icon, Mr. Canada. But I actually reaped more benefits than just experiencing a star struck moment. I'd like to thank you for introducing me to numerous people of high stature. The key to success is actively networking... I appreciate your push to work the tables.

 

Honestly, Mr. Canada wasn't as big of a star as Mr. Tim. I had a phenomenal conversation with him."

Brittany will attend St. Louis University this fall. She is a member of World Sport Chicago (WSC), the living legacy of the Chicago 2016 Olympic and Paralympic bid. WSC enrolls its scholars into the Chicago Scholars 5-year College Access & Success program.